02.25.06

While the home side’s overall improvment since Graeme Souness departure continues, the individual performance of Nolberto Solano (above, left) this afternoon was nothing short of astonishing. The 2nd of the Argentine’s goals, a 76-minute laser blast from about 20 yards out, is a probable goal-of-the-year candidate. For Everton, this was their first defeat in 7 matches.

(Marc Nygaard hugs it out (bitch) with Danny Shittu and Marc Bircham after his 6th minute score)

A late goal from striker Paul Furlong delivered the win to the visiting Rangers, who’ve now swept the season’s pair from promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, despite some 22 points and 13 places in the standings seperating the two clubs at the start of the day.

Via the crackly internet feed, this one had everything — an own goal to each team, a missed Rangers penalty, and a stellar job running the show by midfielder Richard Langley.

This just in : Geoff Horsefield has dropped out of Team Canada’s World Baseball Classic squad. Tommy Lasorda, unavailable for comment.